Tribal Relations

Welcome to the FERC Tribal Relations home page. FERC recognizes its trust responsibility and is fully committed to engaging and consulting with federally recognized Tribes.

• Consultation on Petition for Expedited Rulemaking to Adopt Commercial Readiness and Withdrawal Penalty Rules for Tribal Energy Development Organizations of Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy under RM24-9
  • Calendar Event: October 28, 2024
  • Calendar Event: November 4, 2024
• Time Extended for Comments on Whether to Conduct a Rulemaking to Revise the Large Generator Interconnection Procedures
  • New Date: November 18, 2024

The Commission considers Tribal input in individual hydropower and natural gas project proceedings and in proceedings on policy statements, rulemakings and technical conferences that affect Tribal interests. The Commission also works to keep Tribal governments informed of relevant Commission activities under trust responsibility, the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, Section 32 of the Public Utility Holding Company Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and in the Commission's environmental and decisional documents. 

FERC engages federally recognized Tribes through its Office of External Affairs, Office of Energy Projects and Office of the General Counsel. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation also is a resource for individual Tribal members. 

Consultation Toolbox

State, International and Tribal Affairs – Office of External Affairs

The Office of External Affairs (OEA) State, International, and Tribal Affairs Division (SITA) provides information on Commission programs and activities to state and local governments, Tribal governments, trade associations, ISOs, RTOs, and regulated industry, through outreach materials, written and telephone responses to inquiries, and attendance at conferences.  SITA coordinates discussion with governments, and others, conducts information and demonstration sessions, in-person engagements, conferences, and workshops. 

Keith Masill  – 202-502-6850 – TribalRelations@ferc.gov

Tribal Liaison for the Commission – Office of the General Counsel

The Tribal liaison position was established in 2003 when the Commission issued its Policy Statement on Consultation with Indian Tribes in Commission Proceedings.  The Tribal liaison assists in educating Commission staff about Tribal governments and cultures and in educating Tribes about the Commission's various statutory functions and programs.  The Tribal liaison acts as a guide for Tribes in Commission processes and works to ensure that consultation requirements are met. 

Elizabeth Molloy – 202-502-8771

Gas Tribal Coordinator for the Commission – Office of Energy Projects

The Gas Tribal Coordinator position was created in 2016 to serve as coordinator in the natural gas program and facilitate communication between project sponsors, Tribes, and the Commission.  The coordinator assists Commission staff in coordinating with appropriate federally recognized tribes and ensuring the appropriate level of the tribal engagement occurs in natural gas proceedings.  The coordinator communicates with Federal, state and local agencies and can provide Tribes with non-project specific information regarding Commission processes and engagement issues.  

Dawn Ramsey – 202-502-6856

Office of Public Participation

The Office of Public Participation (OPP) engages with the public and individual Tribal members through direct outreach and education to facilitate greater understanding of Commission processes and solicit broader participation in matters before the Commission.  OPP staff provide ongoing process information on individual proceedings and respond to requests for technical assistance. 

OPP@ferc.gov – 202-502-6595